Abstract: A method of network delivery of electronic messages includes creating an action list from templates corresponding to a group identifier. The templates characterize the structure of a group specified by the group identifier. The structure of the group is specified through roles, permissions and transaction rules for communicating with each individual associated with the group identifier. A message recipient specifies communication preferences for receiving information. Electronic message delivery instructions of the action list are executed for each individual associated with the group identifier. The electronic message delivery instructions specify instructions to be processed by disparate communication networks. The disparate communication networks include at least two of a text messaging network, an instant messaging network, an email network, a cellular network, a social network and the public switched telephone network.

Abstract: A scanning mirror includes a substrate that is patterned to include a mirror area, a frame around the mirror area, and a base around the frame. A set of actuators operate to rotate the mirror area about a first axis relative to the frame, and a second set of actuators rotate the frame about a second axis relative to the base. The scanning mirror can be fabricated using semiconductor processing techniques or processing methods that do not require clean room process. Drivers for the scanning mirror may employ feedback loops that operate the mirror for triangular motions. Some embodiments of the scanning mirror can be used in a LADAR system for a Natural User Interface of a computing system.

Abstract: A communication gateway includes a queue to receive a group identifier. An action list generator invokes templates corresponding to the group identifier. The templates characterize roles, permissions and transaction rules for communicating with each individual associated with the group identifier. A processor derives electronic message delivery instructions for each individual associated with the group identifier. A dispatch manager deploys the electronic message delivery instructions.

Abstract: For a decoupled to gyro to have high sensitivity to angular rate, it is necessary to have the design flexibility to achieve all the critical frequencies in the design. The geometry of the gyro is first estimated and is followed by a performance analysis to maximize the gyro sensitivity. If the performance requirements cannot be met, the next iteration is started by a new estimate of the geometry. For a given design iteration, the desired modal response is implemented with a predetermined or given gyro flexure system. The flexure system disclosed here has enough independent design parameters to allow the desired modal response required for high gyro performance to be selected by independent design choice of the available geometric and configurational design parameters of the gyroscope.

Abstract: For a decoupled to gyro to have high sensitivity to angular rate, it is necessary to have the design flexibility to achieve all the critical frequencies in the design. The geometry of the gyro is first estimated and is followed by a performance analysis to maximize the gyro sensitivity. If the performance requirements cannot be met, the next iteration is started by a new estimate of the geometry. For a given design iteration, the desired modal response is implemented with a predetermined or given gyro flexure system. The flexure system disclosed here has enough independent design parameters to allow the desired modal response required for high gyro performance to be selected by independent design choice of the available geometric and configurational design parameters of the gyroscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for placing and receiving telephone calls via a wireless communications network using a standard telephone and, therefore, is referred to as a wireless local loop system that uses a standard telephone. More specifically, in one embodiment, the “*” key is advantageously used to generate a send signal, while the “#” key is advantageously used to generate an end signal. Accordingly, automatic generation of false send signals may be eliminated, while the need of purchasing a specialized telephone handset having a send key and end key thereon may be avoided. Furthermore, in one embodiment, when placing a call, a recorded message (instead of a dial tone) is advantageously played to a user when a telephone is taken “off-hook” so that a user may be notified that the call will be transmitted via a wireless network and, therefore, may be subject to a different pricing structure.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring and transmitting data and other information received from utility and other devices is disclosed. The universal meter reader of the present invention includes a device for sensing and collecting data at a first location. The sensed data that is in analog form is converted to a digital signal and a processing unit processes the data. The data is subsequently stored in a memory device for subsequent transmission to an interested party. In one embodiment, the data can be digitally transmitted over a GSM or TDMA technology digital network via a control channel. In addition, the universal meter reader includes a connective interface for connecting to a telecommunications system at a first location to establish a wireless telecommunications connection. An improved infrared reader of the present invention includes an infrared transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A tension-relieving apparatus for reducing a level of tension in a structure. The tension-relieving apparatus includes a housing, a piston, a spacer member and a heat source. The housing has a wall member that defines a piston cavity. A rod aperture is formed in a first end of the wall member. The piston assembly has a rod and a piston. The rod extends through the rod aperture. The piston is disposed in the piston cavity and is coupled to an end of the rod. The spacer member is disposed in the piston cavity and is coupled to the piston assembly. The spacer member is transformable between a first condition and a second condition, with the first condition maintaining the piston at a first distance from the first end of the housing.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring and transmitting data and other information received from utility and other devices is disclosed. The universal meter reader of the present invention includes a device for sensing and collecting data at a first location. The sensed data that is in analog form is converted to a digital signal and a processing unit processes the data. The data is subsequently stored in a memory device for subsequent transmission to an interested party. In one embodiment, the data can be digitally transmitted over a GSM or TDMA technology digital network via a control channel. In addition, the universal meter reader includes a connective interface for connecting to a telecommunications system at a first location to establish a wireless telecommunications connection. An improved infrared reader of the present invention includes an infrared transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting data to and from a data collection device using the short message service functionality of the control channel of a personal communications system transmission protocol is disclosed. The method includes first transmitting a request for data from a remote device to the data collection device using the short message service portion of the digital personal communications system control channel transmission protocol. The requests are received a the data collection device and interpreted. According to the interpretation, the data collection device compiles the data that was requested by the remote device. The compiled data is transmitted to the remote device using the short message service portion of the digital personal communications system control channel transmission protocol.

Abstract: A compact sheet feeding and cutting apparatus is disclosed which is particularly suitable for retrofitting to an existing document reproduction machine. The sheet feeding and cutting components are located within a common housing which can be mechanically attached to an existing machine. In one embodiment, no electrical connections are required between the reproduction machine and the feeding and cutting apparatus. A sheet cutting length is entered into local memory and controls the operation of a dc stepper motor in a sheet cutting mode and a sheet feeding mode. The motor is reversed and operates in a sheet feeding mode to drive feed rollers causing the sheet to unroll from a supply roll. The motor is operatively connected to the drive feed rollers and to the sheet cutter through separate, one-way clutches. The sheet is fed from the roll at a faster speed than the speed of sheet travel within the reproduction machine as it advances to a transfer station.

Abstract: A document transport system for transporting and selectively recirculating relatively large documents through a processing station. In accordance with this invention, a transport is provided which has a defined endless document path. A gripper bar is provided for selectively and releasably securing the leading edge of large documents, and a driven chain is also provided for supporting and moving the gripper bar at a predetermined imaging speed through an imaging station. Further, drive rollers are provided proximate the imaging station to urge documents in the document path through the imaging station at the predetermined imaging speed. The invention also includes control apparatus for halting the gripper bar at a first position downstream from the processing station to enable release of documents from the gripper bar and at a second position upstream from the processing station to enable selective insertion and retention of documents in the gripper bar.

Abstract: A roll-up apparatus is provided for automatically rolling up a plurality of media sheets, such as original documents being copied or output copy sheets. In one embodiment, a plurality of flexible, circular guide members are aligned perpendicular to the media sheet feed motion. The first and succeeding sheets are scrolled up within the circular interior space formed by the guide member. The guides are designed to expand radially outward along their width to accomodate the increasing area of successively rolled up media sheets.

Abstract: In a recirculating document handler for a copier for recirculating document sheets from a stack thereof in a document tray of the document handler to be copied and to be restacked therein after copying, with a document feeder for feeding the documents from the stack which is automatically controlled in response to sensing the approximate height of the stack and sensing each time the stack has been so recirculated, in response to the position of elevation relative to the stack of a set separator finger, the improvement in the sensing system comprising two spaced switches positioned to be variably actuated in response to variable positions of the set separator finger, and the set separator finger being adapted for actuating one, none, or both of the switches at respective different positions thereof, and a control providing six different automatic controls in response to four different combinations of sensed actuations or non-actuations of the two spaced switches and the operating times at which the combination

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus includes an illuminating station and a system for forming an image on a sheet of support material of an object positioned at the illuminating station. The viewing station includes a transparent viewing platen having a registration edge against which the object is placed for imaging. A support member is arranged adjacent to the registration edge of the platen. Apparatus is provided for supporting the member in a first position above the level of the platen, and for supporting the member for movement to a second position downwardly of the first position in response to the urging of an object placed on the viewing platen.